Forbidden Passion

Chapter 687 The Illusion of a Family of Three

Phoebe grabbed a box of canned fish, ready to toss it into the shopping basket. Trinity, standing next to her, chimed in, "Mrs. Reynolds, Ollie can't eat that stuff." Phoebe turned, puzzled. "Why not?"

"Didn't Mr. Reynolds tell you? Ollie had a rough time with a gastrointestinal tumor. He can't handle the high protein in canned fish; it's too much for him."

Phoebe froze for a second, then put the canned fish back on the shelf.

She gently stroked Ollie's back, smoothing his fur. "Sorry, I had no idea."

"It's alright." Trinity reached out and scratched Ollie's chin, and he offered her his front paw.

Phoebe glanced at the array of snacks, feeling a twinge of sadness. She licked her dry lips. "Was it really that bad?"

Trinity looked over at Theodore, who was swiping his card nearby, and said, "Yeah, it was pretty serious. There was a typhoon that day. We were supposed to close early, but a dog in the store got sick, and Piper treated it. We didn't finish until two or three in the morning."

"We were about to close when Mr. Reynolds walked in, soaked to the bone, carrying Ollie. That was the first time I saw him look so lost. While Piper worked on Ollie, he stood under the eaves, chain-smoking," Trinity continued. "After a while, he finally got the nerve to call someone. He kept dialing but never said a word. It wasn't until I brought him the surgery consent form that I heard the phone prompt saying the number was out of service."

Phoebe's heart tightened, and she instinctively followed Trinity's gaze to the corridor outside the window. The sunset cast a fiery red glow on the hallway.

She could almost see Theodore at three in the morning, drenched in rain, repeatedly dialing that unreachable number.

Phoebe said hoarsely, "Thanks for telling me."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Reynolds. I still hope Ollie can have a complete family." Trinity seemed to see right through her.

Phoebe looked down at Ollie, who was clawing in her arms, feeling even more guilty. She wasn't sure if it was for Ollie or Theodore.

Trinity added, "Ollie is quite plump. These snack cans aren't good for him, but you can get him some toys."

"Alright," Phoebe replied.

bristled, his eyes fierce, even

Trinity just giggled.

to Trinity. He buried his

got the vaccine ready, and

quickly wriggled

back of his neck,

Ollie the shot and smiled. "When it comes to

It was clear he had brought Ollie for shots many times over

neck, looking at the unusually well-behaved Ollie, and the pity she felt for Theodore

the pet hospital, Phoebe held the cat, and Theodore

owed Ollie something, Phoebe couldn't help but want to buy him a ton of toys. If Theodore hadn't stopped her, she might've

the bag from Theodore, and placed

in. As Jack was getting settled, he casually asked, "Want to grab a bite before heading

time on her wrist and said, "Let's do dinner another

lips pressed into a thin line, his

nodded. "Yeah, we're closer to the Imperial Apartment. Let Jack drop you

there called them Mr. and

hospital shattered that

Theodore were going their separate ways, each heading back to

excuse or not, calling

"Alright," he said.

ride was silent. They pulled into the underground parking lot of

said politely, "Ms. Ziegler, thanks for today. I'll pick you up tomorrow

eyes met Ollie's. The cat seemed to sense something and meowed softly at

fingers gently